Public tours at historic Maggie Walker house reduced to two days a week after NPS staffing cuts

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- In the wake of significant staffing cuts across the National Park Service (NPS), the frequency of public tours of the historic home of Maggie L. Walker in Richmond's Jackson Ward has been reduced.

Walker, a civil rights activist and trailblazer, was the first Black woman in the U.S. to found a bank. She was a community leader and businesswoman who advocated for the rights of Black women across America.

Her Richmond home, located at 110 1/2 East Leigh St. in Jackson Ward, served as a hub for Black business after she purchased it in 1904. Following her death, it remained in the Walker family until 1979, when it was bought by the NPS.

Previously, visitors interested in learning more about Walker's life and legacy could take a public tour of her home Tuesdays through Saturdays.

However, the NPS announced that, starting March 4, the house will be open for public tours on only Fridays and Saturdays.

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While a specific reason for this reduction was not given by the NPS, it comes after the NPS was hit by staffing cuts under President Donald Trump's administration.

8News has reached out to the NPS for comment but has not heard back as of the time of reporting.

If you are interested in touring the Maggie Walker house, you can browse the calendar of tour offerings here. These tours are free and are guided by NPS staff. They are typically offered in hour-long increments starting at 10 a.m., with the final tour beginning at 3 p.m., according to the NPS. Tours begin at the visitor center at 600 N. 2nd Street.